I'ts May

Crazy crazy May.

This past weekend we drove to Seattle to attend Bradley's graduation from Cornish College of the Arts.
It was a Looong drive for a short visit, but we crammed as much into it as possible.

Brad's BFA show was a successful event - lots of people, and interesting things to see.
We were also able to squeeze in visits to Deception Pass, the Volunteer Conservatory, and Pioneer Square, along with the usual sights at the famed waterfront there.

So tired this week, but no day off until Monday.  Hanging on until then...

 At the UPS memorial near Pioneer square

 A little antique shop we stopped at

 On the waterfront - finally captured the elusive Mt. Ranier on film...

 Seattle skyline from the pier

 Brad's BFA show exhibits - these are all ink prints - he carved the designs onto wood boards and printed them.  No small task - they are Large!

 Lords of Space Time is becoming his iconic work...

 This one blew me away - it is HUGE!

 Not a great shot, but the last of his prints - they are all based on scientific theory, with a bit of a twist...

 This was another exhibit at the show - fun design work!

 ...Also liked this one's work...

 The next morning, we went to the farmer's market before hitting the road again

 Funky fishes at La Conner

 La Conner is a cute little touristy town 2 hours north of Seattle.  A fun little place to shop and walk around.  This is a cute little antique store, where I scored some vintage post cards - cheap!

 Another fun little shop - loved these paintings based on playing cards...

 Hiking down to the beach at Deception Pass

 Looking up at the bridge...

 Jenny having fun on the beach!   :-)

 Father & son

 Hiking up to the bridge...

 Views from the trail (above and below)

 Under the bridge

 Walking across the narrow walk way between a hundred-ish foot drop and oncoming traffic.

 No kidding!

 Sunday morning before Brad's graduation, we went up to the Volunteer Conservatory.  The oriental art museum is also here - this is one of the statues there.  (Caught the Space Needle peeking through the hole!)

 Ma & Pa inside the doughnut...

 The Conservatory

 Lots of beautiful flowers & plants inside - purple orchids.  (My camera battery died just as we got here, the rest of the pics are on my phone.  Working on getting them off...)

After graduation party - a lady Libby works with made the cake - she re-crated Brad's artwork in the frosting - incredible!  (And delicious!)

Zoom Zoom

April went by so fast - it's crazy.

So much to do this week, and I work every day until road trip time, so it's going to be a challenge to get everything done.

Took hubby to breakfast this morning - that's about the only time we get to see each other any more. 
We go to this little place in the next community over - smaller even than our town is.
It's kind of fun, hubby shouting at the cook over the grill - people wave and talk to you, whether they know you or not.  I like the small town life.

Speaking of which, one of the girls' ghost shows last night, featured another eatery we go to in that town.  Seems it's quite haunted.  I didn't see the episode, but Jenny says it was so creepy, she doesn't think she can ever go there to eat again.

Interesting.

Had a horrible day at work yesterday.  Just busy, and blah.  Just as I was trying to clean up to go home, a band of "tween' boys came in, and while I was off trying to help a customer find something in housewares, they completely tore up my department.
I'm afraid I finally lost my cool.  I chewed them out, and told them to go elsewhere.

I'm probably the one who will get in trouble though - it took me an extra half hour past my scheduled time to clean up the mess, and the company frowns on overtime.

Oh well.

It's back to the salt mines for me now.
Hope today's a better day...
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Joy.

When I turn on the laptop, a little chord plays to let me know it's starting up - it's kind of a happy "ta da" sound.  I wish I had one of those - a little "ta da" sound when I wake up in the morning that says; "I'm here and I'm ready to make your day!"  LOL - wouldn't that be fun?

Anyway, another week has gone by, and April is almost over - how did that happen?  Wow, it went fast.

I should have stayed at church today, but I've had so many thoughts swirling around in my head, and if I wait, everyone is up and stirring, and they get lost in all the hubub of life...

I've had bad days this week, like Thursday, when a customer wanted a bike from the hanger on the rafters - I had the bike guy show me how to get them down, because that always happens at night after he's gone home.  Anyway, the rack malfunctioned (of course,) and I couldn't get it down the normal way, so I had to get the ladder and lift it down.  I shouldn't have.  I'm really not strong enough for those big bikes.  It came down - mostly on my head.  I had sort of braced myself for any contingency, so I was able to at least stop it from falling down on the customer, but I did not enjoy the experience.  It could have been a lot worse, but I'll be sporting some pretty spectacular bruises for a few weeks.

Then there were good days, like Saturday.  Nothing amazing really happened, it was just unusual for a Saturday.  We were just as busy as usual, but somehow it stayed cleaner, and there were fewer returns, and,  I don't know, it just made it possible to maintain the good mood that I always try to start out with.

A few people from the ward came in, and I had the chance to chat with them for a while.  Then Jenny came in just as I was going for my lunch break.  I debated about taking the car and going home, but instead, I opted to get something from the deli and stay.  I like to find a quiet corner to read on my breaks, and I can't do that at home because there's always someone to talk to.

Just as I finished eating, one of the cashiers came in for his break - he surveyed all the tables, then walked straight over to mine.  I had a slight twinge of annoyance, because I wouldn't be able to read after all, but these people seem to feel a connection to me, because I'm Wayland's wife, and they miss him being there.  (So do I.) ...And one of the main things I get a job for (besides the money) is to find friends, so I set the book aside...

The conversation got rolling, and others joined in.  The kid who retrieves the carts from the parking lot was at the next table, and he dove in too - soon he had me laughing so hard that I had to keep checking to make sure my mascara wasn't running down my face. I don't think he even meant to be that funny, the kid just can't help it - the best kind of funny.

  I haven't laughed that hard in ages - so good for the soul.

After lunch, I walked through the fabric department just to see if there was anyone there.  My supervisor told me to learn a few of the other departments, in case I ever need to help out there.  I've been putting it off, because it just feels weird to me to walk up to someone and ask; "Hey, could you teach me how to do your job?"  Couldn't get up the nerve, so I just kept walking.

When I got back to my department, miraculously (and I do not use that word loosely,) it was still pretty clean!   Just then, there was a call on the P.A. system for any available associate to go to hardware for customer service.  That made me feel guilty, because that's one of the areas that I was asked to learn.  I pulled up the boot straps and walked down there - but the sporting goods guy had gone down there, and I'm not even sure he speaks English (in fact, I've never heard him speak!)
I'm deaf anyway, so I kept going back to fabrics.

Having worked a fabric store before, the measuring and cutting was not the issue - the issue is learning all the applications of the telzon (scanning, printing labels, etc.) which I kind of stink at because I have such a short memory.
The lady there went over them with me and let me play with it for a little while.  (She was awesome, patient and thorough - just enough information to get started, but not so much that my brain overloaded.) 

Just as we were getting through with the basics, the other lady who works there came off her break - she started telling us about her trip to Buffalo to find her birth family.
Her story was really fascinating, and this might sound crazy, but I think I was meant to hear it.
It works right in with a project I'm working on, and that's all just a little too coincidental.
Life is so cool that way, don't you think?

My brain is whirring now, and I've had all kinds of inspiration...

I'm going on and on, and there are other things to get to - such as this:

Source: spirituallythinking.blogspot.ca via Pat on Pinterest

I found this on Pinterest, and I felt it was such a profound thought - I read it over and over just to let it sink in.  My children are all grown, and pretty independant, but there are times I find that they still need advice, encouragement, or even just approval (or applause!)   And I am so, SO thankful that those lines of communication are still open.  I need this constant reminder because I always, always, ALWAYS want to be there for them.

Lastly, I had the opportunity to spend a day with my sister on Tuesday.  We went to Thanksgiving Point to walk through the gardens for the Tulip Festival.  I wish I knew how to post them as a slide show, because I viewed them that way on iPhoto, and it was really cool, but you'll have to look at my still version, since I lack the tech skills...

Oh no...

I learned today that a grave oversight has been made.  I am a terrible neglectful mother!

My daughters were working in the kitchen with me, and Melissa put in the video that Jennifer Love Hewitt made about the life of Audrey Hepburn...

Source: google.com via Bethany on Pinterest

Through the course of the video, Jennifer piped up and said:  "I haven't seen Funny Face...  I haven't seen Sabrina...  or Roman Holiday.... or Breakfast a Tiffany's"

Each one she mentioned, my jaw dropped further - I looked at Melissa and said;  "Oh my gosh - we have us an Audrey virgin here!"

I can't believe she has lived all her life in this house and never seen one of those movies - I have them all!    We will have to remedy this situation very soon!

I smell a marathon coming on...

Source: audrey-collection.tumblr.com via Idyllique on Pinterest

(Paris When it Sizzles)

I had a pretty good day at work today.
It was really slow (at least in my area.)   I had two carts of freight to put out, and the boss said someone would be coming to help me, but they never showed up. 
 I was able to get it out all by myself.  Nice quiet evening.

I got home in time to see the grand kids for a few minutes, then everyone turned in early, so I listened to some tunes and played on the computer.

Peace.
.
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What the.... ?

I opened blogger to add my weekly post, and it's all been changed around in here.

 Just like Facebook - every time it changes, you have to start at square one to learn how to use it again. Technology is a great thing, but it would be nice if it would stand still for a while. (Or at least slow down for us old folks! LOL)

 I've decided over the last few weeks, that my perception may be a little off when it comes to the age thing... People at work are always asking me to do feats that only a muscular giant could do - climbing up to the ceiling for merchandise, throwing balls 6 feet in the air to clear the net that surrounds them, getting bikes down from the rafters...

 I find myself getting annoyed at these requests - (would you ask your granny to do those things?) But then, I have to remember, I'm usually the only person on the floor on that side of the the store, and somebody's got to do it.
I also think that I perceive myself as older than other folks do - gee, that's a nice thought...

...I just do whatever it is they ask me - (or find someone else who can do it better!) I've found that it really doesn't kill me after all - in fact, I think I'm getting stronger in some ways... (A hand full of Ibuprophen before work helps too, ha ha!)

 It's been a quiet week here - the weather has taken that turn that it always does in the Spring from unsettled to HOT - Bam - just like that.
The lawn is looking pretty shabby, and the mower is broken, of course, so we are the embarrassing house on the block this week. There's a lady up on the hill who raises llamas, maybe she would loan me one...

 My neighbor, who recently had the kidney transplant, is home from the hospital now. Stopped in to see her after church. She's looking pretty skinny, but doing well. I hope her husband doesn't kill her off - he's not the caretaker in that family, and it's a learning process...

Poor Ruth! :-)

 I can't believe how fast time is flying by - April is more than half way over already.
 Our next big adventure will be driving up to Seattle for our son's graduation. Got the rental car reserved, and trying to save up, (which is a challenge the way things have been going around here...)
Got to get in shape for climbing hills.  :-)

 A little advice from Dr. Oz:

Source: health.yahoo.net via Lidia on Pinterest

(Click on the picture to view the video - you may have to do that more than once...)

A few good habits never hurt anyone.

Jenny just came in and is chattering away about J.K. Rowling's new website; Pottermore.  Apparently, it's up and running, and all kinds of fun!  (Got to get that kid out more!)
I am looking forward to her next book this fall, though.
 I hope it can measure up to the Potter series!

 It's time for my Sunday nap before I head to work again.

 Peace. .

Happy Birthday Baby

Melissa's birthday was yesterday.

I was going to do a Lorali Gilmore, and crawl into bed with her and tell her all the gory details about the day she was born, but I didn't because: A) I'm afraid of her when she's woken unexpectedly, and B) I really don't remember that well...

What I do remember is that there was an ongoing battle between Wayland's mom and I about whether she would be a boy or a girl. (This was pre-ultrasound days.) I wanted a girl so badly, and I just knew in my heart that's what she was - I even had dreams to that effect, but my mother-in-law would always say: Taylor's always have two boys first, that's just how it is.

So we waited and fretted, and I put off buying anything pink or frilly, just in case.

She is the only one of my children who arrived on their due dates. (Jeff was 10 days late, and Brad was a week early - Jenny was scheduled, so she doesn't count.)
Melissa was within 24 hours.

After she was born, as soon as I arrived in my room, Mom & Sue poked their heads in, and as soon as I said: It's a girl! Mom ran to the store, bought some pink fabric, and had a pink quilt made for me to bring her home in the next day.

I had to work yesterday, so I missed her party - dad made dinner for her, her requested fried chicken, (just like my mama used to make,) potatoes & gravy, spinach salad, and strawberry short cake.

Hubby did such a good job with the meal - everything was perfect.

Daughter is 33 now, a gorgeous, intelligent, and very talented woman, with a big heart. What more could a momma ask?

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via sarah on Pinterest

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Back. Again.

Hello again. I know, three posts in one week - what's going on?
...I'm antsy, depressed and bored, that's what.

The big news in the neighborhood this week is that our neighbor finally got the kidney transplant she's been waiting for forever. One suddenly became available Sunday night, so she had the surgery and so far is doing well.

Just in the nick of time too - she's been looking so rough lately, we've been wondering if she was going to make it...
Hope that bridge is crossed and that she'll have lots more years ahead.

Hubby is doing well at the new job. It's been a little overwhelming, because there is so much to do there. And he's been used to working mostly 5 - 6 hour shifts, so the ten hour days will take some getting used to.

Me? I had my ninety day review the other day. It went surprisingly well.
All good marks. Only a couple of things they thought I could improve on.
Always nice to hear...

Been pinning away like a crazy person lately - when you're depressed, it passes the time.
(Very quickly!) ...Seen 4 A.M. more than once this week.
One of the interesting things about it, is that a lot of the images are memory triggers - things that I remember doing as a kid.
Kind of fun to take that stroll down memory lane...

Here are a few -

Rotary phones. ...And party lines.
You never knew if someone was listening in on your conversation or not, and you couldn't make a call if someone else was on.
I still remember our old phone number. Skyline 6-2776.

Source: fab.com via Pat on Pinterest

Everyday school dresses. Girls weren't allowed to wear pants to school until the year after I graduated high school, so this was our lot in life...

Source: littlemissheirlooms.com via Pat on Pinterest

...This is how we sent messages to our friends before texting. LOL

Source: heyjenrenee.com via Pat on Pinterest

Cake mascara. We used to save up our pennies and buy it (for a dollar) at the local 5 & Dime.
Made us think we were so grown up. :-P

Source: dappledthings21.tumblr.com via Pat on Pinterest

No inline skates for us - we had these old metal clunkers that you clamped to the bottom of your shoes. Heaven forbid you should ever lose the key!

Source: google.com via Pat on Pinterest

...And who could forget having to sleep in rollers?

Source: theenchantedcove.tumblr.com via Pat on Pinterest

Mercurochrome (or Monkey Blood, as we called it,) went on every cut and scratch.
Always looked like we were wearing war paint.
I remember mamma swabbing all of our throats with it one bad year - she'd wrap a clean rag around her finger, dip it in the stuff, then stick it down our throats. Gag.

Source: mikanet.com via Pat on Pinterest

No clothes drier, laundry was hung outside on the clothes line. Loved the fresh smell of laundry dried in the sun - and if the wind blew, no need for fabric softner!
(Just pray it doesn't rain!)

Source: Uploaded by user via Pat on Pinterest

Here is our washing machine. Seriously.

Source: google.com via Marsha on Pinterest

Good times, good times.

Plenty more where those came from, but I'll save those for another day...
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Do-Overs...

Okay, Mrs. Grumpy wrote that post yesterday - she's been banished to her room today.
It's a beautiful sunny day outside, good for the spirits.

Hubby started his new job today. Didn't wake up in time to see him off, but I at least sent him a happy text. He's a bit nervous, but I'm sure he'll love it, and they will love him.
That's how it has always been.

Sunny days make me want to go out and dig in the dirt. This year I want to add some hollyhocks to my front yard...

Source: ana-rosa.tumblr.com via Pat on Pinterest

I had some in past years, and I miss them! (I'll have to use the short ones out front.)

I also want some green mums -

Source: google.com via Pioneer Courthouse on Pinterest

...Aren't they gorgeous? Trouble is, I'm having a heck of a time finding them.
I may have to settle for Zinnias. I think I can buy those (at least the seeds) where I work, and they're almost as pretty.

Source: burpee.com via Mer on Pinterest

The other thing I'm wanting is some flowering kale;

Source: bing.com via Lynda on Pinterest

They had beds of it all over Disneyland this winter, and it was SO pretty!

Kind of a funky eclectic mix, but that's what I'm thinking. I would throw in some old reliable marigolds and petunias for filler (and color.)

Don't quite know what to do with the North side - it's mostly in the shade, so it's hard to find anything that will grow there (bad soil too...)
I've been trying to get the ground cover to fill in and just take it over, but even that is reluctant.

As always, what I want, and what will actually grow here are two completely different things...

Hubby wants to put something like this there:

Source: ericaglasener.com via Lori on Pinterest

I'm totally on board with that idea.

I kind of like my work schedule this week - I work mostly 5 to 10's, so I have pretty much the whole day free before I have to go.

I'd like to accomplish something today besides sitting at this computer, but what?
I have a whole pile of new dies that I haven't even touched, cleaning that wishes to be done, and a book to finish. Hmmm, which to choose...

Monday.
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Easter Greetings

Source: google.nl via Pat on Pinterest

It's been a long week - work has been so hectic.
I got so disgusted with people buying up toys for their kids like it was Christmas again, that I didn't do anything for any of mine. I guess that makes me a bad mom & grandma, but jeepers, it's a religious holiday - it shouldn't be about stuff!

I've had such a hard time trying to keep up in my department, and most of the time I've been one of the only people left on the floor, so I've been running like mad fielding everyone's questions. It's almost a relief when I get called up to work the registers.

I have to work again today, now that the holiday is pretty much over, I'm hoping it will be quiet, and I can get things put back together again...

Speaking of jobs, hubby's finally came through, and he starts on Monday. (Thanks for the prayers!) He was so happy to say goodbye to the part-time one.
In the midst of the craziness last night, several people told me how much they missed him being there - I did too. It was kind of an empty feeling for me not having him there...

***

You've probably heard by now that Thomas Kinkaid passed away this week. Sad news, especially since he was younger than I am...

I'll admit, I've always enjoyed his art, as much as the art world scoffs at it, but it did kind of bother me how he always called it his "ministry." As if he were setting himself up as a religious icon or something.
The article I read about him said that the FBI was investigating him for investor fraud. That was a bit of a surprise.
I guess that's what you get when you "put your faith in the arm of flesh."

His family was on vacation in Austrailia, and wasn't available for comment.
I find that odd...

...Anyway - a lady in my book club has started a journaling challenge for personal history writers. I haven't been so good at that - I'm not a journal keeper. This blog is pretty much it - but I guess I'll play along, at least for now...

The question she sent this week was "What is the nerdiest thing you've ever done?"
Ha ha - Okay... I've been a first class nerd all my life, so how do you even qualify that? I guess I would have to choose that time back in high school...

I was so shy, if anyone looked my way, I would dive for cover. So, when the girl's choice dance came around, I had to work up my courage for weeks to ask someone. Finally, I picked up the phone and dialed...

I didn't even tell him who it was - I just asked if he had a date to the dance. He said "yes," so I said "Ok," and slammed the phone down.

That was pretty nerdy.

The weather is starting to look up here - hubby and I noticed that we have tulips this morning. I hope to get out and do a little more planting this week. Starting to form some ideas of what I want my garden to look like this year.

Had a really nice meeting at church today. It's always a good feeling when the music I chose turns out to be just right. Lots of good speakers, and the Stake Presidency was there. Plus, the best turn out we've had in months.

All good things.

Happy Easter.

Source: gregolsen.com via Paula on Pinterest

Bushed.

What a day this has been.

Work was NuTz with a capital Z.
I haven't seen a day that busy since Christmas!
I could not keep up with the messes people were making, and I was getting angry trying...
So, when they called me back to help unload the truck, I was glad for the break.

...Although, there was more waiting than working back there.
The back room manager sent me on a wild goose chase looking for some carts. (Mass miscommunication - they were already at the back door! That felt like about a mile round trip...)
Then, when they opened the truck, it turned out to be full of pallets - so they all had to be moved out of the way before we could do anything.

About an hour later, we started unloading. >.<

Halfway through, the guy doing all the lifting started grabbing his chest, and panting like an old dog. He was freaking me out - I thought he was going to have a heart attack on the spot!
He ran outside, got sick, then came right back and started unloading again!

One of the managers had to come and practically force him to switch places with someone.
The guy stayed and finished out the day. Insisted he was fine. Sheesh.

I had to go to lunch half way through, so they were done when I got back.
After that, they called me to run a register for the rest of the night.

Wow. I'm tired, but I'm too wired to sleep.

It's General Conference time - but I only got to watch one session today.
It was a good one though. The highlight for me was Elder Henry B Eyering.
He is so intelligent, humble and wise. His talks are always so uplifting.



Tomorrow Hubby and I both have the day off! (A small miracle.)
Hoping for a nice quiet day to enjoy the last two sessions, and visit with my grand kids.
(I haven't seen them in three weeks!)

I planned a simple meal - pulled pork sandwiches (pork from Sam's Club) on kaiser rolls, pistachio pudding salad, and this sinfully rich desert I found on Pinterest;

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Pat on Pinterest

The deserts there could kill you - they're so over the top, but what a way to go!

Another thing I am liking about Pintrest is that I'm finding some fun "grandma day" activities.
My grand daughters like doing crafts as much as I do, so every once in a while, we get together
for some female bonding time.

Here's a few of my favorites so far:

~Using fabric strips to make fluffy flip-flops.

Source: familyfun.go.com via Pat on Pinterest

~Canvases decorated with cardboard shapes and other embellishments.
(In girlier colors, of course...)

Source: stampersanonymous.com via Pat on Pinterest

And:

~Fairies in a jar
DIRECTIONS: 1. Cut a glow stick and shake the contents into a jar. Add diamond glitter 2. Seal the top with a lid. 3. Shake. Fun! (If it really works.)

Source: media-cdn.pinterest.com via Pat on Pinterest

Other than that, life goes on...

Finished another book - a very strange ghost tale.

I'm trying to find some good ghost stories to dissect and find out what makes them scary. That isn't going very well, because I haven't found one yet that is.
I think the scariest tales I've read so far, are my daughter's collection of Irish Fairy Tales!
(Creepy stuff - those fairies are evil!)

I haven't accomplished much else this week.

We're still waiting for news on that job hubby is supposed to be getting. He has to have a physical for it, and apparently they're having a hard time finding someone to administer it.
It's making hubby a basket case - he wants to give his notice at his other job, but doesn't dare until everything is final.

Frustrating.

I'm winding down now - I think I'll be able to sleep...

'Night.
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Not Dead.

I used to get on the kid's cases for not letting me know where they were, lest they turn up dead in a ditch somewhere - hence, my son started leaving me notes with those two little words, just so I'd know he was still alive.
Been AWOL for a while, so I'm doing the same...

Life has been busy of late - three of us working opposite schedules.
It's getting in the way of family life a bit.
Last night I cooked a family meal - the first in a couple of weeks. (Worked a day shift for a change!)
I haven't seen the grand kids in at least 3 weeks, and my daughters for days...

I've got a Sunday off this week, which will be a lovely change.

Caught up with the girls last night - Melissa has been going to a class that I was anxious to hear about. Some kind of self-improvement thing, involving thought reprogramming. Sounded interesting. I hope to get more enlightened on it this weekend.

Jenny has been working early mornings - such a culture shock for her!
She's used to staying up all night, and sleeping her days away...
She's teaching herself to animate her drawings on her down-time.
Keeps her mind busy, but it's good that she's getting out of the house more too.

Me? I've just been reading and sleeping.
At work I do everything from unloading trucks, to climbing ladders, to crawling around under fixtures - so when I'm off, I'm gone. Some other plane where life is more interesting, or lazing around trying to recoup.

Not worth much else right now.

The weather has been a bit wack-o the last few weeks.
A neighbor mentioned in Church Sunday that it was supposed to be in the 50's the next day, so I was all prepared for that - but when I woke Monday, the wind was blowing, there was rain, sleet, you name it coming down!

March has been dyslectic this year - in like a Lamb, and out like a Lion.

Mood swings or no, I'm ready to start planting flowers. Now!

The big news this month is that Hubby has rejoined the ranks of the employed.
(Assuming the background check & drug test goes well - no reason it shouldn't.)

We are relieved and excited. ...And there's a chance down the road that we may have the opportunity to move, if he proves himself as a manager.
We've lived here forever, and enjoyed it, but a change at this point would almost be a welcome thing. (South - where it's warm!)

Feeling more optimistic than we have in a while - good for the soul.

Looking forward to Conference weekend, rest, relaxation, and reviving of the spirit.

Spring.

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Pat on Pinterest

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Sunday

A cold wintery wind blew in yesterday, and spread gray prickly clouds all over the sky.
Today it is snowing. Happy Spring.

I worked late last night, so was enjoying my sleep immensely - until hubby poked me.
If he hadn't, I would have slept right through church.
I'm both loving and cursing him for it.

Got up and put on my shroud (the long black dress that hides everything, and makes me feel invisible when I don't want to be noticed.)

...Then came home and had a 2 hour nap.

I work again tonight - no rest for the wicked.

Spring is trying so hard to push it's way into our valley - I looked around the yard a bit the other day, and noticed that my tulips are already abt. 10 inches high!
They'll be coloring up soon, and brightening up the ugly brown landscape.

We usually try to celebrate St. Patties day at this house - I went out yesterday and tried to round up some green foods... But since I work mostly nights, I'm not the one doing the cooking any more - I don't even know what they ate here - I had a bowl of cold cereal (not Lucky Charms) and went to bed.

Strange but true - yesterday, Melissa received her diploma. Her bachelor's degree from USU. She only graduated, what? ...8 years ago?

Must have circled the globe a few times first.

I don't like working Sundays, but the one good thing about it is, that it is usually pretty slow. (Knocking wood.)

Speaking of that place - it's time to go.

Hope you had a good green day!

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Mini Vacation

I have three blissful days in a row off this week!
Lots I want to do, but I'm on my own schedule. If only payday were sooner. :-)

Nothing major planned, just some little projects I've been working on need some finishing up.

...And lots & lots of resting.

Hopefully, these welts on my knees (from crawling around on the floor) will go down a bit before I'm back in the fray.

Hubby got a lead on a job yesterday, we're keeping our fingers crossed.
He's been reflecting these past days/weeks - he's never had to do the job hunting thing before. Every job he's had up to now, has come from someone coming to him.
This one came that way, so we're hoping that's a good sign.

Jenny starts work tomorrow. I'm so glad for her - she SO needs to get out of this house and get a life other than TV and the dog! I hope she appreciates the opportunity.
(And meets that cute little guy in sporting goods...) :-)

The date has been set for my high school reunion - so the age-old dilemma rears it's head once again. Do I try to lose 50 pounds, (in 3 months,) do I just not show up, (as ususal,) or do I hope that everyone else looks as old and ugly as I do?

Seems uncharitable, but I guess I'll choose the latter... Ha ha.

I've been pinning like mad lately, trying to put all those (bazillions) of "likes" into their individual folders...
I'll be doing a lot of that for the next few days as well.

Here are a few of my favorite images from Pintrest this week:

~ Wishing for Spring ~

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I need a life too, so I guess I'll go get started...
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??? (No Title Comes to Mind Today)

I sat down to write the other day, but my daughter started chattering at me and chased whatever it was I was going to say right out of my head. Still can't remember.
But I need to spend time with her whenever I can because I don't see her above ground very often anymore. :-)

She had an interview yesterday, and is pretty sure she got the job - just waiting for those lovely drug test results. Unless Mountain Dew is on the red flag list, she's good to go. It will be nice to see her having a sense of purpose again.

It's been a frustrating week otherwise, hubby went out job hunting yesterday, and only one place would even talk to him. Everyone else told him they only take online applications, and after they receive those, they call you.

He's been applying to two or three places every day and hasn't even had a nibble.
It's getting pretty scary.

My job has been a bit stressful this week. I've been on my own a lot, with short hours and more work than I can get done in the time I'm scheduled - because I keep getting called away to work at the cash registers.

Sunday, as soon as I got there, I got called to go help unload the truck.
That was a 2 hour job, and pretty heavy work. I was running behind the rest of the night - never did get caught up. But no worries, the mess was all still there for me the next day. ha ha.
Makes me wonder where everyone else is in my department. I haven't seen anyone else all week. Last night I had two areas to cover, but luckily the one stayed pretty clean all night...

I keep thinking this job is going to kill me off, but it seems to be making me stronger instead.
Go figure.

Wednesday seems to be my regular day off, so I run from Wed. to Wed. Throws the week off for me a bit...

I finished my new book yesterday, (Banana Split by Josi Kilpack,) and loved it.
One of her best yet. I didn't have to go in until five, so I had all that time just to read. It was nice to have that much quiet time to myself.

Not much else going on this week - we celebrated Arilie's birthday on Sunday.
She had a "Tron" party with her friends the day before, so the house was all decorated with reflective tape designs all over the walls & ceiling, and they had a black light which illuminated it all. It was very cool.

It's hard to believe she's ten years old already.

While I was sitting there watching her open her gifts, I was remembering the night she was born...
I thought about that scene in Gilmore Girls where Lorali climbs in bed with Rory the morning of her birthday, and begins to tell her all the gory details of the day she was born.
I wondered if Arilie would appreciate hearing her birth story - it was quite an eventful night when she was born - but the timing wasn't right.

Maybe some other time... While I still remember. :-)

She's such a cool girl - I love her to bits!

I've got an 8 hour shift today, so no time to luxuriate...

TTYL
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Leap Day

There's something really special about a day that only comes around once every 4 years. At least there should be. Today was my day off, so I spent as much time as possible in bed - then got up and read. In my pj's...

Reading makes me so tired anymore. Soon I was cross-eyed, and nodding, so I laid down and had a nap.

Tough day.

I'm trying to finish my little tea shop mystery, because earlier this week the newest Josi Killpack culinary mystery arrived at my door.
I entered a contest to name her next book a couple of months ago. I didn't win, but they decided to send everyone who entered a copy of the newest release, which shouldn't actually be out until tomorrow.
I've been pretty happy about that, but I didn't realize it would be hand-delivered to my house! Can't wait to dive in.

The only bad thing is, that I tear through these so fast, then end up wanting more and the next one doesn't come out until (November?)...anyway, it's a while.

My reading keeps me going.

Spent this evening visiting some ladies in my neighborhood.
I love the ladies we visit (my neighbor and I.) They're all good people who have lived here as long as we have and know our families etc. It's nice to be able to share that kind of history with folks.

Speaking of history - I have a High School reunion coming up this year.
I've never been to one, but now that a bunch of them are on Facebook, will I be expected to?
I have issues with that, not only because of how I look, but because I'm still dull as dishwater in person. I'm not sure I can handle the expectations...

I actually dreamed about the event the other night - it was strange. No one had aged much (except me, of course,) and I had such a hard time keeping up with them all - playing silly games, running up & down stairs, etc.
I had such a hard time recalling names too, but I remembered every face, and was so glad to see them all.
Kind of how I have felt about seeing them assemble on Facebook (but the other way around - the names I know, the faces not so much anymore.)

Life is interesting, always changing...

I heard today that Davey Jones passed away.
Sad day - king of the Monkees, and one of my first teen crushes, dead at 66 from a heart attack.

What's The Name of the Game?

It's called pin till your eyes bleed.

Yup.

The internet's version of crack, that's what Pintrest is.
Once you get on, you can't get off. I pinned 'till 5am this morning.

I justified it by thinking I could sleep in today, but my silly body clock had other ideas.
It's impossible for me to sleep past 9.

So, that's where I've been the last two weeks, pinning places I'll never see, recipes I'll never bake, and decor for a home I'll never own.

But hey, it's fun - right?

I got brave and posted a few of my own photos. It's kind of exciting when other people pin them.
(Yes, I have a low threshold for excitement, lol.)

I did try one of the recipes too...

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It was quick, easy and tasty too!

It's been a quiet week otherwise, nothing new at work.
They've been leaving me on my own a lot, but it feels comfortable and it's all good.
The boss says he wants me completely trained (that means register training) ASAP.
I am paranoid at the register - that's where all the negative customer feedback happens.
Luckily though, most of the time hubby's schedule an mine coincide, so I won't have to do it that much.
(Hubby supervises the cashiers, and a spouse is not allowed to supervise a spouse.)

I finally got to see the most recent Twilight film this week.
Hubby gave it to me for Valentine's. I wanted to go see it in the theater, but life was so crazy during the holiday season, I never had the opportunity.
And honestly, I've been afraid to see it - all the reviews were so bad, that I would sure it would be a gross-out and that I would be disappointed.

It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be though, even hubby said so. :-)

Speaking of hubby, I've got him scrapbooking now.
He's completed a couple of books already.
Working on his life story, he is - which is good, because I have no idea...

I actually have a Saturday off this week. Looking forward to that.

That's about it - now back to the pin-board. :-)
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Time Keeps on Slippin'....

Just another ditty that was in my head when I woke up, but somehow appropriate today.

It's been a busy week. Inventory is over, and I was expecting a slow day yesterday. Hubby mentioned that I might even get sent home, because the store was over hours on all the prep time. Instead, I was swamped all night.

I didn't look like anyone had been there all day - the place was trashed, and I had 2 carts full of returns, and another 2 of boxes of things to put away.
It took me all night, but the place looked fairly decent when I left.
(I was annoyed though. Is there really nothing else for kids to do in this town than vandalize the toys at Walmart?) Geeze people, check on them once in a while!

I went to bed hurting. I don't remember hurting this much last time around.
Makes it very hard to relax and sleep.

I should have gone to a funeral with hubby this morning. (My Brother in law's father.)
I even dreamed about it last night, (I worked until eleven,) but I couldn't face getting up that early after a late night, and having to go directly back to work afterward.

As I mentioned, the pain.

One thing remains constant though - even in my dreams, my daughter in law is a good mother. Always vigilant. She amazes me.


A friend introduced me to Pintrest a couple of weeks ago. (I've probably mentioned that.) Such a very bad thing for me.
I keep thinking it will get old soon, and I'll stop wanting to spend all my time there, but that hasn't happened yet.

It's interesting - I feel like I'm assembling a visual profile of my personality...

Meaning, I can look at my friend's boxes and get to know exactly who she is by seeing all the things she loves. (For instance - I had no idea she was a Trekkie!)
So, in that way, I guess it isn't a complete waste of time - it's part of my virtual history (along with this blog) that I will leave behind when I'm gone...

Look at me - I'm becoming a true Taylor! (They can justify anything! ha ha)

Speaking of work - it's time to start pulling myself together...

Welcome Back

Wouldn't you know - the week I start back at work would be the week of inventory.

This week's schedule has felt like an initiation. (Or maybe hazing would be the right word.) Late night's followed by early, early mornings.

Valentines was a bit of a joke - hubby's schedule was just as cruel, but opposite of mine. We haven't seen each other in 3 days.

Ships that pass in the night...

I guess I knew that going in - that's what Christmas was like too.

It's a job though, and I have been happier with work to do.

Inventory is today, we've been preparing for the last 2 days, and the store was perfect this morning. I have never seen the place so clean!

The team of auditors descended on us like a swarm of locusts, in their matching maroon shirts, and not a smile to be had among them.

The only thing was, I couldn't figure out why I was there.
While the auditors are in the store, we are not allowed to even touch anything in our department. All I could do was pace the floor and look at it...

My managers were baffled at why they scheduled me so early too - they sent me home after a couple of hours. I finally got that sleep I haven't had all week.

Now to tackle that kitchen that hasn't been cleaned all week...

Ugh.
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Peace

Having a few minutes to myself this morning - hubby's at work, and the girls aren't stirring yet.

Getting started back at work has been kind of easy-peasy so far. After a day of orientation, and a couple of hours of computer drills, they threw me right out on the floor - alone.

Felt pretty much the same, except that everything is in a different place now.
They just finished inventory, so the shelves are pretty bare. I had to get re-oriented, but I had 4 hours to do it. February isn't the big toy season, so I pretty much had the place to myself.

It has been so nice to have so many people welcome me back. Even ugly old ladies can appreciate that! As Eeyore would say, it's nice to be noticed.

I overslept again this morning, so I made it to church with only 5 minutes to spare.
I hate having to rush like that - I'm always so disoriented for a while.
Plus, there is a heavy wet snow storm going on out there, so I had to dig out the car, then getting around was a bit messy.

We had a nice meeting though - a son of our neighbors' just got back from Rio, and he spoke today. Their family has lived here as long as we have, and a few former neighbors came to hear him speak. It's always so good to see old friends.
We all pretty much raised our kids together, so in that way we'll always be part of each others lives.

I think I'll take the opportunity to get in a nap before the herd descends...

Ah, quiet.
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XXIVIIVX???

Another Super Bowl Sunday goes down in history.
(Whatever Roman Numerals are assigned to this one.)
We had a nice little gathering here - my daughter in law did all the cooking, and it was Yummy! Amazing that just a few finger foods can fill you up so fast!

She made some Boston Creme Cupcakes in honor of New England.
There wasn't room in my fridge for them, so she set them outside to keep cool.
Unfortunately, the neighborhood cats made quick work of them while we were eating the main course, so we never got to taste them.

It's a shame - they looked so delicious!

Two more days of freedom before my job begins - today my daughter in law asked for my help.
She's attempting to construct her first article of clothing.
(She's made slipcovers for several pieces of furniture, and several sets of curtains, with no pattern, but never anything she could wear.)
I'm sure she'll be great at it - just a few general techniques and she'll be off and running!

I need to make a couple of Valentine cards for my girls and hopefully, their little gifts will arrive in the mail on time. (The etsy seller I bought them from keeps emailing me that she's grounded by that nasty snow storm in Colorado and can't get to the post office.) What are you gonna do?
They'll understand - I didn't get my Christmas necklace from my daughter 'till mid January for the same reason.

It's all good.

They were conspiring in the kitchen yesterday - it seems we'll be having a "special" Valentine dinner - with a Zombie theme.

Can't wait...

My youngest was invited to a Super Bowl party at BYU by her cousin.
She was all excited about it at first, but the closer it got, the more she stressed about it.
She finally talked herself out of it.

That girl is such a home-body. I don't know how I'll ever blast her out of this house.
*Sigh*

Got to get dressed and ready for the day.

Enjoy the sunshine :-)
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One Last Set...

I'm just finishing up scrapbooking my Christmas & Disney photos.
I've been at it pretty much all month - 22 two-page layouts total.
...And boy, am I burned out.

I've been sitting here for hours trying to think of just one more way to arrange things that I haven't already done yet. I want so badly to finish so I can put everything away for the weekend, but I'm afraid I'll have to sleep on it and start fresh tomorrow.

Why, oh why did I take so many photos? >.<

If there's a next time, I'll know better, right?
(Yeah, sure.)

I'm pretty proud of myself though - I had to break down and buy some more card stock and glue today, but other than that, I've only used what I already have. (And I barely made a dent! *Blush*)

Moving on...
I actually had some emails this week - from actual people!
Sometimes it seems that those things are going the way of the dinosaurs and the dodo birds.

Anyway, one was from a friend who talked about all the changes that life brings.
We've all been through a lot of stuff over the years - things that alter personalities and perceptions of things...
(Mostly health related. Things that we have no control over.)
She made the comment that some of those things are re-defining who she is, (whether she likes it or not.)

I was laying in bed just now thinking about that - and ways that I've changed over the years, and I came to the conclusion that the thing that I miss most about the old me (besides my sense of humor,) is that I miss caring.

I used to get so excited over things like fabric and patterns, all things crafty, but especially painting. I always preferred painting to eating or sleeping.

I can still do those things, but there's no joy in it any more.
Everything I do seems harder, and it's work. If it doesn't get done, well, so what.
It isn't life or death like it used to be.

I keep trying to find something that will make me feel that way again, but it's always "been there, done that, next?"
I guess it's true, life really is for the young.

Blah. Unproductive thoughts.

Anyway, I start work on Wednesday. It seems I'm going to have to do the whole orientation/training thing again, even though I've only been gone a month.
Oh well, I get paid for it either way, so what the heck.

Until then, hoping to get my craft room looking more like a room and less like a natural disaster.

Wish me luck!
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Pretty Good Day

Finally have the dishwasher fixed, power in the family room, did something crafty - and I got my job back - all in one day!

I had the interview today - such a great experience.
As soon as I sat down, the interviewer said; "We already know we want you back," then she proceeded to skip all the questions and just filled out the paperwork.
...Just a matter of that lovely little drug test, then I'm back!

Several people walked past me in the waiting area and told me how happy they were to have me back - it's a good feeling.
I don't know if I'll be full time or part time, but any income will be helpful to us now.

I ordered some photos to put in the cute mini album that my daughter in law gave me for Christmas. They came Monday, and I finally had a minute to glue them in today.
Just need to add the journaling, and it's all done.

I have to say, I like scrapbooking this way! ...Having everything done for me - just add photos - instant album!

Too bad she doesn't live closer... ^.^

(I'll post photos soon.)
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